There was no shortage of outrage when it became clear that manager Ron Gardenhire and the Detroit Tigers planned to use newly acquired Leonys Martin in the leadoff spot to begin the season. The reasons against this decision were rampant, whether it be Martin’s subpar on-base percentage or the more favorable alternatives in the batting order.
One week into the season, though, Martin appears to be up to the challenge. While his numbers are not anything extraordinary through an admittedly small seven games and 35 plate appearances, the decision to put him at the top of the order has not been a complete mistake.